#NBATogetherLive: Larry Bird's iconic steal helps Celtics defeat Pistons in Game 5 of 1987 Eastern Conference Finals

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"Now there's a steal by Bird!"

On May 26 in 1987, Larry Bird produced one of his most iconic playoff moments in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Detroit Pistons.

Down one point in the closing seconds, Bird swiped the inbound pass from Isiah Thomas and in one fluid motion got the ball to Dennis Johnson for a layup, which turned out to be the game-winner.

The Celtics emerged 108-107 to take a 3-2 series lead, thanks to Bird's heroics.

Thomas had given the Celtics a one-point lead with 17 seconds remaining and coming out of a timeout, the Celtics looked to Bird to score. His layup attempt was blocked and the ensuing battle for the ball saw the Pistons come up with it, with five seconds to go, leading to one of Bird's most iconic playoff moments.

Bird's steal put the Celtics in control of the series and despite losing Game 6 in Detroit, they returned home to Boston to win Game 7 and advance to the NBA Finals where they would lose to the Los Angeles Lakers in six games.

Watch the game below:

Bird finished with 36 points, 12 rebounds, and nine assists in the win, while Adrian Dantley led the Pistons with 25 points. 

The views expressed here do not represent those of the NBA or its clubs.

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Benyam Kidane Photo

Benyam Kidane is a senior NBA editor for The Sporting News.